§ 83. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied, in view of the dollar trade liberalisation policy, that adequate steps have been taken to safeguard the West Indies citrus industry from United States competition; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am fully aware of the difficulties which dollar liberalisation could involve for the West Indies citrus industry. As my hon. Friend knows, this matter was gone into very thoroughly with the West Indies delegation during the summer. Since then my officials have had discussions both with the delegation from the Florida citrus industry which visited London at the end of August and also in Washington with officials of the United States Government. Good progress was made at these talks, and I am hopeful34W that a solution will eventually be reached which, while protecting the interests of the West Indies, will be satisfactory to the United States Government and compatible with Her Majesty's Government's international obligation.